New Classic Remote - RC5/System Automation for external IR control?

Hi-Fi Corner
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Preamble:

I’ve recently upgraded from a NAC 282 to a NAC 332 and have one aspect of the old system that I’m really missing…

For the past few years the brilliant Gen 4 Apple TV remote has been my single point of system control. It’s a beautiful piece of industrial design, rechargeable using USB-C. Most of all, keeps the coffee table tidy.

While the supplied Zigbee remote works fine, albeit not especially smooth or special. It’s more remote than I really need for my use case. I’m hoping there’s an elegant way to regain that simple, one-remote experience.

My 2channel “AV” system is quite simple. Apple TV is my only video source, its remote handles LG OLED TV power on/off via HDMI-CEC.

Streaming via ND5XS2 is managed in iOS apps - NaimFocal and Qobuz, etc.

With the NAC 282 and other OC pre, I taught the Apple TV remote the Naim IR commands, so the same remote controlled volume up/down and mute. Since I only have a single audio source (nDAC) into the preamp, those are effectively the only functions I ever need.

To my questions:

Looking through the documentation, I noticed the 3.5 mm Remote In / System Automation connection and references to RC5. That got me wondering whether there’s another path besides Zigbee.

A few questions for those who understand how Naim implemented this interface:

  1. Does the Remote In on the NAC 332 accept standard RC5 commands from an external device, or is it intended only for specific Naim system automation products?

  2. Has anyone successfully connected an external IR receiver or third-party controller directly to the Remote In?

  3. If the goal were simply to translate IR or Bluetooth remote commands into wired RC5 control, would a small microcontroller (for example, an ESP32 or similar) be a realistic approach, or does the Remote In require proprietary signaling beyond standard RC5?

  4. As a related question, would this potentially allow use of legacy Naim IR remotes (It’s been a longtime goal to have an R-COM) with a 332, assuming the appropriate RC5 commands were generated?

  5. There’s not a hidden IR receiver in NC preamps that just isn’t mentioned in the manual? That backwards compatibility would be so nice.

I’m not really interested in full Control4 /Crestron/ Home Assistant integration and focused on finding a clean solution that restores my very simple “universal” remote control.

I’d appreciate any insight into the electrical/protocol side of the remote wired interface, or pointers to service documentation if it’s publicly available.

Thanks in advance, wise ones

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1 Like
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Probably a question best asked of Naim Support; if anyone knows, it will be them.

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Does not seem like a support issue, as it pertains to 3rd party integrations. Albeit not warranty voiding.

Surprised this community has no awareness of, or sensitivity to this UX faux pas :]

The sharp edged, 4x AAA battery remote with so much unused space seems like an egregious design oversight in 2026.

I’d love to understand the thesis on this strategy. Or how it aligns to Naim principles.

Disappointed.

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It’s likely just a case that the NC kit being relatively new, nobody has tried it or has any experience of it yet.

If @110dB sees this thread then he may be able to advise. Otherwise, hopefully support will be able to do so.

1 Like
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Hi @Richard.Dane and @AltaMarshall

Congratulations on your NAC 332, and I hope it brings you many years of musical enjoyment.

Your suspicions are correct. An IR receiver with a 3.5mm jack can be plugged into the ‘remote in’. The remote control codes for volume are the same as the NAC 82. Your Apple remote will then control the volume of the NAC 332.

The receivers are available from all the usual online supermarkets. Make sure you buy a receiver and not a transmitter. They look identical.

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PS if anyone else wants to do this, here is some more information:

  • The Apple remote shown in the OP is the Siri 3rd Gen remote supplied with the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen). I understand Gen 1, 2 and 3 Siri remotes support this feature too.
  • The Apple TV learns the amplifier’s remote commands via the Apple TV settings menu (e.g. Volume Up and Volume Down). An IR remote is needed for this, not the new classic’s ZigBee remote)
  • After learning, the Siri Remote emits IR commands directly to the amplifier when the volume buttons are pressed, so the amplifier must be in sight of the remote.
  • If the Apple TV was taught using a Naim remote, the Siri Remote transmits standard Philips RC5 amplifier commands: Address 16, Command 16 for Volume Up and Address 16, Command 17 for Volume Down.
6 Likes
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Great stuff @110dB thank you!